Cotransduction of tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase genes into cultured striatal cells using adeno-associated virus vectors

Objective To examine whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) genes can be cotransduced into the same target s triatal cells using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and to determine whether the cotransduction would result in better biochemical change than t he TH gene alone. Methods TH and AADC genes were cotransduced into cultured striatal cells wi th separate AAV vectors. Expressions of TH and AADC were detected by immuno cytochemistry; intracellular catecholamine levels were assayed by high-perf ormance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results TH and AADC genes were efficiently cotransduced into the striatal c ells. Specifically, the coexpression of TH and AADC resulted in more effect ive dopamine production compared with the TH gene alone. Conclusion Using AAV vectors, coexpression of TH and AADC in the striatal c ells might be a useful approach to gene therapy for Parkinson's disease.